by Michele Kadison

Whether you’re a budding or a professional photographer looking to shoot the Colorado Rocky mountains, it is a daunting task to choose from the hundreds of possibilities that make this state so majestic.  We at rockies.com have decided to make it easy for you by defining our favorite mountains in the Colorado Rockies.

Longs Peak

At a height of 14,255 feet above sea level, this mountain stands in the center of the Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado’s Front Range.  With its strong geometric angles, the peak is ideal for its contrast of light and shadow throughout the day.

Interesting note:  The mountain was named for Major Stephen H. Long who, in 1820, explored the area with a group of fellow adventurers.  Though they didn’t climb the mountain, the awe that the party felt for the majestic peak inspired them to name it after their intrepid leader.

Directions:  From Boulder, take Highway 36 north to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park.

Maroon Peak/North Maroon Peak
The more than14,000 foot Maroon Bells are known for being the most photographed summits in Colorado.  Located in the southwest, these pyramidal peaks with their naked faces often dusted with snow, provide a perfect contrast to the bluest of skies above them.  Add the exquisite beauty of a mountain lake that reflects the mountains in its clear surface, along with the deep green of a lush pine forest, and you have a photographer’s dream. Take the 1.5 mile hike around the lake where you will find numerous spots to take your ideal photograph.  You can also hop the shuttle that will get you to the peaks without having to exercise for the privilege.

Directions:  Go southwest from Glenwood Springs in Highway 82.

Mount Evans
In the Front Range you will find this mountain towering at 14,260 feet above sea level.  Arriving at the top of mountain is a spectacular adventure as you drive over the highest paved road in the United States, with wondrously breathtaking vantage points all along the way.

Directions: From Denver to west on Highway 70 to Idaho Springs and then along Mt. Evans Road past Echo Lake and on to the summit.

Mount Sneffels
In the southwest of Colorado, this majestic mountain is almost mythic in its presence.  Alpine forests break at the timberline to provide a view of the 14,150 foot peak that seems to protect the surrounding landscape.  Take time to explore the Mount Sneffels Wilderness Area where you can take numerous backcountry trails, finding enormous opportunities for nature shots.  A great vantage point for taking photos of the mountain itself is on Dallas Divide Pass on Highway 62, near Ridgeway.

Directions: From Telluride, take Highway 145 north to the junction of Highway 62 where you follow 62 to the Dallas Divide Pass.

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